Brazilian free-tailed bat  (Tadarida brasiliensis)

Whilst the Brazilian free-tailed bat exists in extremely large numbers and across a great range of countries and habitat types, it is still classed as a threatened species. This is due to its reliance on a relatively low number of roost sites. With the loss of just one roost site, a large proportion of the population could be destroyed. Some significant declines have been documented, such as the population of Eagle Creek Cave, which fell from 25 million individuals in 1963 to just 30,000 individuals in 1969. These declines are not fully understood, but several threats are present, particularly from the alteration of roost sites and the use of organochlorine pesticides. Insecticides which are found in the bodies of living insects accumulate in the bodies of the bats that eat them in such large numbers, resulting in reduced reproductive success and death (7).

Rabies, a disease often associated with bats, is found in members of the Brazilian free-tailed bat population. Humans who attempt to handle bats without the proper precautions have been infected with rabies, which can be fatal. Media sensationalism of this problem has resulted in deliberate eradication attempts and roost destruction (7).

Although perhaps no species’ fate should be judged solely on its importance to humans, the Brazilian free-tailed bat is known to have an enormous impact on insect numbers, thereby contributing to both the ecology and economy of those countries that are home to it. It is crucial to continue to protect its roost sites and to educate the public and the media as to the reality of rabies and the benefits of the Brazilian free-tailed bat (7).